Toasters
Best Toasters of 2026: Top Picks for Every Kitchen
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best toasters are the Breville Bit More for precision, the Cuisinart CPT-440 for versatility, and the Hamilton Beach 22708 for budget. They excel in browning consistency, slot size, and value.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Breville Bit More BTA820XL
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best Overall
The Breville Bit More offers a unique 'A Bit More' button that adds 10-15 seconds of toasting. Its extra-wide slots fit thick artisan bread and bagels. Owners report consistent browning across all slices.
Slots 2Wattage 1800Controls Dial plus A Bit More buttonExtra Features Lift-and-look, high-lift, crumb tray
- Even browning with precise control
- Extra-wide slots for thick bread
- High-lift mechanism for small items
- Expensive
- Takes up counter space
Cuisinart CPT-440
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best Value
The Cuisinart CPT-440 is a 4-slice toaster with independent controls for each pair of slots. It has a defrost function and a bagel setting. Owners appreciate its consistent performance and sleek stainless steel design.
Slots 4Wattage 1650Controls Dual toasting controlsExtra Features Defrost, bagel, cancel, crumb tray
- Independent controls for two pairs
- Defrost and bagel settings
- Easy-to-clean crumb tray
- Some find it bulky
- No extra-lift feature
Hamilton Beach 22708
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best Budget
The Hamilton Beach 22708 is a 2-slice toaster with a bagel setting and a cancel button. It has a compact footprint, ideal for small kitchens. Owners say it toasts evenly for the price.
Slots 2Wattage 1200Controls Dial with bagel and cancelExtra Features Removable crumb tray
- Low price
- Compact size
- Simple controls
- No defrost setting
- Lower wattage may toast slower
Cuisinart CPT-122
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for Bagels
The Cuisinart CPT-122 is a 2-slice toaster with extra-wide slots and a dedicated bagel setting. It toasts bagel halves evenly, with one side toasted and the other warmed. Users report it handles thick bagels well.
Slots 2Wattage 1500Controls Dial with bagel, defrost, cancelExtra Features High-lift, crumb tray
- Extra-wide slots
- Dedicated bagel setting
- High-lift for easy removal
- Only 2 slots
- Some report uneven browning on high settings
Best for: Best for Bagels
Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster BTA840XL
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best for Frozen Waffles
The Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster has a 'Frozen' setting that automatically adjusts toasting time for frozen items. Its motorized lift lowers and raises bread gently. Owners love the consistent results with frozen waffles and bagels.
Slots 4Wattage 1800Controls Digital with LCDExtra Features Motorized lift, defrost, bagel, reheat
- Excellent frozen food performance
- Motorized lift
- Multiple presets
- Very expensive
- Complex controls for some
Best for: Best for Frozen Waffles
KitchenAid 2-Slice Long Slot Toaster
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Long Slices
The KitchenAid 2-Slice Long Slot Toaster has extra-long slots for artisan bread and baguettes. It features a shade dial with seven settings and a high-lift lever. Owners appreciate the even toasting and stylish design.
Slots 2Wattage 1500Controls Dial with 7 settingsExtra Features High-lift, crumb tray
- Long slots for various breads
- Seven browning levels
- High-lift for small items
- No bagel or defrost settings
- Some report uneven toasting
Best for: Best for Long Slices
Oster 4-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for Families
The Oster 4-Slice Toaster has extra-wide slots and a bagel setting. It features a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning. Owners like its affordable price and ability to toast four slices at once.
Slots 4Wattage 1500Controls Dial with bagel and cancelExtra Features Removable crumb tray
- Four-slice capacity
- Extra-wide slots
- Affordable
- No defrost setting
- Some find it toasts unevenly
Best for: Best for Families
We focused on real criteria: slot size, wattage, browning settings, and special functions like bagel and defrost. We also considered durability and ease of cleaning. Our picks cover different needs and budgets.
What to Look for in a Toaster
Start with the number of slots. Two-slice toasters suit singles or couples, while four-slice models feed families. Check the slot width and length. Wide slots handle thick bagels and artisan bread. Long slots fit baguettes. Wattage matters too. Higher wattage usually means faster toasting. Look for at least 1200 watts for decent performance.
Key Features to Consider
Browning controls range from simple dials to digital presets. A bagel setting toasts one side more than the other. Defrost settings adjust time for frozen items. A cancel button stops toasting immediately. A high-lift lever helps remove small items. A removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup. Some models offer motorized lifts, but they cost more.
Matching a Toaster to Your Needs
For bagel lovers, a toaster with a dedicated bagel setting and wide slots is essential. If you often toast frozen waffles, look for a defrost function. Families need a four-slice model to keep up with morning rush. For small kitchens, a compact two-slice toaster saves space. Consider your counter space and how often you toast.
How to Choose Between Two-Slice and Four-Slice
Two-slice toasters are compact and energy-efficient. They are ideal for individuals or couples. Four-slice toasters handle more toast at once, but they take up more space. Some four-slice models have independent controls, allowing you to toast different breads at different settings. Think about your household size and breakfast habits.
Questions people ask
What is the best toaster for bagels?
The Cuisinart CPT-122 is a top choice. It has extra-wide slots and a dedicated bagel setting that toasts one side perfectly.
How many watts should a good toaster have?
Look for at least 1200 watts. Higher wattage, like 1800, toasts faster and more evenly.
Can I toast frozen waffles in a toaster?
Yes, but use the defrost setting if available. The Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster handles frozen items well.
What is the difference between a toaster and a toaster oven?
A toaster is faster for bread and bagels. A toaster oven can cook more foods, but it takes longer and uses more energy.
Are wide-slot toasters worth it?
Yes, if you eat thick bread or bagels. Wide slots prevent bread from getting stuck and allow even toasting.
How do I clean a toaster?
Unplug it and shake out crumbs. Remove the crumb tray and wash it. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
Is a 4-slice toaster better than a 2-slice?
It depends on your needs. A 4-slice toaster is better for families, but it takes up more space. A 2-slice is fine for singles or couples.
What is the most reliable toaster brand?
Breville and Cuisinart are known for quality. Owners report fewer issues with these brands compared to budget options.
Can I toast gluten-free bread in a toaster?
Yes, but use a lower setting. Gluten-free bread burns easily. Some toasters have a gluten-free setting, but not all.
How long does a toaster last?
With proper care, a toaster can last 5 to 10 years. Higher-end models often last longer.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most people, the Breville Bit More offers the best balance of performance and features. If you want a four-slice toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-440 is a great value. Budget buyers will appreciate the Hamilton Beach 22708.
